Zoology

Zoology is the science of animal life. It is a wide-ranging subject, focusing down from the whole animal and its interactions with the environment to the molecular level. Zoologists are at the forefront in understanding climate change, managing natural resources and in our fight again human and animal diseases.

Why Aberdeen?

• One of the few universities in Britain offering a Zoology degree
• A recent internal teaching review panel commended the School of Biological Sciences for its committed, professional and enthusiastic teaching across a wide range of degree programmes. The panel was also impressed with the course choice within degrees and by the emphasis on field courses and field-based teaching, including opportunities and support for expeditions, which were clearly valued by students
• Core and transferable skills highly regarded by employers and regularly reviewed by an active employer-liaison committee
• Research on a wide range of animals and environments including deep-sea fish, salmon and trout, geese, dolphins, seals, rodents, protozoans,  cephalopods and other molluscs, crustaceans insects and ticks

Programmes

You may also be interested in

Animal Ecology, Marine Biology

Study Abroad

There will be opportunities for expeditions, voluntary work overseas and ‘year-out’ placements. International exchanges are also possible, normally in the second year of a four year programme. Similarly, it is possible to study for part of the degree in another European university under the ERASMUS programme.

Further Study Abroad Information. 

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

First Year

Core courses include Organismal Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science, The Cell, Chemistry and a tutorial course in Biology. Three other courses are chosen from a wide range of options within the University.

Second Year

Core courses include Diversity of Life, Community Ecology, Principles of Animal Physiology, Zoology Field Course and a skills course for Biologists. Other popular options are taken from Conservation Biology, Ocean Biology, Genes & Evolution, Microbes - Infection and Immunity or courses relating to Biomedical Science to Plant Science or Geography

Third Year (Junior Honours)

A core programme of zoological subjects includes Animal Evolution & Biodiversity, Animal Population Ecology, Animal Physiology and an advanced skills course for Biologists. Other choices are made from Animal Behaviour, Marine Ecology and Ecosystems, Biology and Control of Infectious Diseases and Aquatic Biology - Conservation and Exploitation. 

Fourth Year (Senior Honours)

An independent research project (either field or laboratory based with staff supervision), and a major review essay, together with four six-week taught courses provides the basis for the final Honours year. The taught courses develop insights into specialised topics and, where appropriate, include visits to research establishments and commercial organisations. These incorporate other skills-oriented activities, including statistical analysis, computing, literature summaries, oral communication, study of biodiversity, and career development. Furthermore, every Honours student attends a team-building course.

 

Teaching and Assessment

Courses use a wide variety of teaching methods: lectures, laboratory practicals, fieldwork, seminars and tutorials. Most courses are assessed by both continuous assessment and a written examination, taken at the end of the semester. Continuous assessment takes many forms including essays, a series of practical reports, or a group project which may be presented to fellow students in the form of a scientific poster. The variety of assessment methods helps to develop a range of communication and transferable skills suitable for different occasions.

In third year, a typical six-week course is likely to involve four to five hours of lectures and a three-hour practical or field excursion per week; seminars or tutorials are held where appropriate to the course content. Teamworking by students engaged on projects and field work is encouraged.

Careers

Zoology courses are designed to provide a broad based set of specialist and generic skils for future employment. A considerable number of Zoology graduates continue their education by reading for higher degrees either in the UK or abroad. Graduates may also enter the teaching profession in biology or general science by taking a postgraduate diploma. Graduates often find full-time employment in a wide range of careers. Typical employers include universities, research institutes, government agencies (e.g.SEPA, SNH), environmental consultancies, environmental charities including WWF & RSPB, National Health Service, libraries and commercial enterprises in aquaculture and animal nutrition.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Zoology.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL
*including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB or A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide